The Fine Arts Museum of the Georgian National Museum in Tbilisi is at risk of demolition due to high costs of renovation. In response to this news, Blue Shield Georgia has teamed up with ICOMOS, ICOM, Blue Shield International and Europa Nostra to condemn the planned demolition in a statement.
The Fine Art Museum, a rare example of late classicism in Tbilisi, was recently identified to have ‘significant deformations and failures of the load bearing structures.’ Due to this, the Minister of Culture, Ms. Thea Tsulukiani was quoted saying ‘structural repairs might not be commercially viable’.
The significance of this view affects not only the building’s future but also poses risks to the numerous collections housed within the structure. In response to this, the consortium of heritage organisations has made a formal request to the authorities. The points addressed include items such as; A request to bestow upon the building the status of ‘immovable cultural heritage monument of national importance’. Furthermore, a serious discussion should take place in order to firmly establish a proper contingency plan for the collections currently housed within the museum. And finally, transparency for the museum and wider community regarding the future of the building.
By presenting these demands to the government it is hoped this kind of action will contribute to the battle in preserving Georgia’s heritage.
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